If you’re planning on heading out this New Year’s Eve in Vegas, be careful. Metro Police are on high alert this season. 8 News Now has reported that deadly crashes are up 30%, hit and run deaths are double, the total number of traffic collisions is 14% higher, fatal crashes involving drugged drivers are up 150%, and Las Vegas DUI arrests are up 9.7%, compared to last year’s numbers. All these figures point to greater numbers of patrols being out this year, waiting to arrest anyone who breaks the law. Whether you are a tourist or a native Nevada resident, you should be aware of the risks of celebrating New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas.
What to Know When Visiting Vegas for the New Year
Whatever you plan on doing this New Year’s weekend, you can be sure that Las Vegas Metropolitan Police (LVMPD) will be out in full force, enforcing all of the various state and local laws. Below I have prepared some information for you about how to make this New Year’s celebration unforgettable – but only in good ways.
Where to Party in Las Vegas?
If you don’t have plans for New Year’s Eve yet, the Strip is the best place to go to ring in the New Year. This unforgettable experience is like a giant block party. You can check out some of this year’s biggest shows, parties, and venues here. You’ll want to plan ahead since the Las Vegas Metro Police shut down the Strip between Sahara Avenue and Russell Road to cross-traffic as early as 4 p.m. You can try alternative routes such as the Desert Inn super-arterial for east-west travel or Frank Sinatra Drive to the west or Koval Lane to the east for north-south travel.
DUI Checkpoints
The Las Vegas Metro Police Department often increases the number of DUI checkpoints around the city during the New Year’s celebration. You can check for current checkpoints on the Metro’s Twitter page.
Casino Debts/Markers Don’t Stay in Vegas
Despite the popular adage, not all things stay in Vegas, including casino debt or markers. If you don’t quickly pay back casino markers, you can find yourself facing fraud charges.
Prostitution Laws
It’s a common misconception that prostitution is legal in Las Vegas. It’s not. It’s also not legal anywhere in Clark County. Be on the lookout for undercover LVMPD officers trying to entrap you.
The last thing you want is to be charged with DUI on New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas. RTC, the local bus system, is providing free rides to help out this holiday. The company will be servicing 39 fixed routes from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. The Las Vegas monorail is also available. If you want some privacy, you can take advantage of the many other alternative transportation options available in Vegas, including Uber, Lyft, taxis, or limos.
Prohibited Items
The LVMPD keeps a list of items you are not allowed to use on New Year’s Eve at certain times and locations, which include:
- Purses or bags larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches
- Coolers
- Briefcases
- Backpacks
- Fanny packs
- Cinch bags
- Luggage
- Computer bags
- Camera bags
- Strollers, carts, or vehicles propelled by electricity, mechanical means, or humans unless they are immediately medically necessary
What Constitutes DUI While Visiting Las Vegas?
Under NRS 484C.110, it is considered a DUI to drive a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of these substances. This includes driving a vehicle with a concentration of alcohol of 0.08 percent or more in your blood or breath or consuming these substances to a degree that renders you incapable of safely driving or exercising actual physical control of a vehicle.
What Should I Do If I’m Arrested?
If you are charged with DUI while visiting Las Vegas or are arrested for another crime, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer and follow the other steps I have outlined for you. I want you to stay safe this holiday season, but I’ll be there for me if you need me.
